Neuropsychiatry

A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

Our neuropsychiatry research focuses on new therapeutic solutions for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, depressive disorders, and chronic pain.

DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS

A partnership for the development of an antidepressant

In 2008, we signed a license agreement with the American pharmaceutical company Forest laboratories to develop an antidepressant using a molecule discovered by the Pierre Fabre research teams. Data from Phase III studies has enabled us to obtain Marketing Authorization from the US health authorities (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States. The product FETZIMA ®, recommended for treating major depressive syndromes, has been launched in America through our partner Forest Laboratories.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

A poorly understood disease

Schizophrenia is a disease whose needs are still inadequately met. Today we think that schizophrenia is due to the dysregulation of two neuromediators in two areas of the brain: the cortex and the subcortical regions. The difficultly lies in targeting each individual zone collectively. Our researchers have succeeded in targeting very precisely the subcortical region and demonstrating that this screening technique is highly accurate by using an advanced medical imaging technique: positron emission tomography (PET). At the same time we are carrying out a second research program into depressive symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

CHRONIC PAIN

An original approach

Whether the origin is neuropathic or inflammatory, certain painful diseases are still poorly managed. We are focusing part of our neuropsychiatry research on these rebel cells. The approach involves working on messengers that generate pain, i.e. the network by which the pain message is conducted. Today we are working in particular on a target whose genetic mutations increase or reduce sensitivity to pain. We are looking into the ideal molecule to act on this target, with promising early results.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Partners in the international study MAPT

According to 2011 estimates by the Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of people with this degenerative disease in the world will double in the next 20 years and reach 66 million by 2030. To compare the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches, the University Hospital Center and the Gérontopôle in Toulouse launched the MAPT study (Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial) in 2008. It is one of the rare large-scale studies in the world to evaluate preventive strategies that enable the disease to be slowed down.

As a privileged partner of this study, Pierre Fabre Laboratories is doubly involved:

From a scientific point of view, we supply batches for evaluation of the efficacy of daily omega 3-based treatment;

From a financial point of view, we provide 50% of the funding for the study.